JPS584652A - Wiper and washer switch device of automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simultaneously handle both control knobs of switches by one hand, by approaching each switch control knob of the wiper switch and washer switch, further providing the said switches in a state aligned with their on-control direction. CONSTITUTION:A recessed place 4 is opened to the side of a meter case 2, mounted to an instrument panel, and provided with approximately in order of three switch control knobs 5, 6, 7 of rear wiper, washer and front wiper. Each control knob 5, 6, 7 is formed respectively to externally spreading downward shape in accordance with the peripheral contour of a handle 40, to obtain good controllability while holding the handle 40. Further each control knob 5, 6, 7 is arranged in a state aligned with its on-control direction, and the knobs 5, 6 or 6, 7 are pressed at the same time by left hand, then either the front wiper or the rear wiper and the washer can be simultaneously urged.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a wiper and washer switch device for an automobile, and more particularly, the switch operation knobs of a wiper switch and a washer switch can be easily operated in one motion while grasping the steering wheel. Concerning what was done.

Generally, there is a close relationship between the operation of the wiper and the jetting of washer water, and when the washer water is spouted, the wiper is always operated afterwards.

Therefore, in the past, the wiper switch and the washer switch were linked by electrical means, and when the washer switch was turned on by operating the washer operating knob, the wiper switch was activated without operating the wiper operating knob at the same time. A device has been proposed in which the washer water is spouted and the wiper is operated at the same time by simply turning on the switch and operating the washer operation knob.

However, the above-mentioned conventional device requires electrical interlocking means to establish an interlocking relationship, which has the drawbacks of a complicated structure and a high price.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and includes providing a recess that opens at least to the front of the meter case in a side end portion of a meter case attached to an instrument panel of an automobile. By providing the switch operation knobs of the wiper switch and washer switch, which control the wiper device and washer device, respectively, in close proximity and with their on-operation directions aligned, it is possible to simultaneously operate both the wiper and washer switch operation knobs with one hand. By making it easy to operate with a single motion, there is no need for a conventional interlocking relationship, and thus, with a simple operation, it is possible to operate the wiper without spouting washer water, ensuring excellent operability. At the same time, it is an object of the present invention to provide a wiper and washer switch device for automobiles that has a simple structure and is inexpensive.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in detail based on an embodiment shown in the drawings.

In Figures 1 to 3, 1 is an instrument panel of an automobile, 2 is a meter case attached to the instrument panel 1, and the meter case 2 has a central part surrounded by an upper part and both sides. A meter display surface 3 for displaying a vehicle speed meter, an engine tachometer, etc. is formed surrounded by the plate 3a, and a corresponding meter (not shown) is disposed at the rear of the meter display surface 3.

Recesses 4, 4 that open to the front and side surfaces of the meter case 2, respectively, are provided in the left and right front corner corners of the meter case 2, symmetrically with respect to the meter case 2, and a recess at the left end 4 is provided with 3' switch operation knobs 5 to 7 for controlling the rear wiper, washer, and front wiper, respectively, in the vertical direction, for example, for controlling the rear and front wiper devices and washer devices, respectively, from the top. On the other hand, three switch operation knobs 8 to 10 for a hazard, a rear defogger, and a light are provided close to each other in the vertical direction in the recess 4 at the right end, for example, in order from the top. Each of the above switch operation knobs 5 to 7 and 8
The free ends on the opposite side of the ~10-meter display surface 3 are each formed in a shape that widens downward to match the outer peripheral contour of the handle 4o, thereby improving operability while gripping the handle. and each switch operation knob 5.
Switch display surfaces 5' to 10' for graphically displaying the respective functions are provided on the front surface of the meter case 2 close to the base end on the meter display surface 3 side of 10 to 10. Further, each switch display surface 5', 7', 10' for the rear wiper, front wiper, and light is provided with a display that changes according to the operating position thereof.

Further, in the meter case 2 behind the recess 4 at the left end, as shown in FIG. 11, for example, to explain the washer operation knob 6, there is a connecting plate 1 behind the washer switch display surface 6'.
An L-shaped piece 14 whose one end is rotatably connected in the horizontal direction is provided to the hinge mechanism 13 attached via the L-shaped piece 1.
The right end portion of a washer operation knob 6 is fixed to the other end of the washer operation knob 4, so that the washer operation knob 6 is provided so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the automobile as the L-shaped piece 14 moves about the hinge mechanism 13. ing. Further, when the switch operation knob 6 is not operated and is in a neutral state, it is automatically returned to its original state by the hinge mechanism 13, and is provided so as to be substantially flush with the front surface of the meter case 2.

Further, a washer switch mechanism 15 of a latch mechanism type is housed in the storage space 11 of the meter case 2, and the L-shaped piece 14 is activated by moving the washer operation knob 6 in the longitudinal direction of the automobile. As the hinge mechanism 13 rotates, the contacts are opened and closed via a downwardly protruding pin 16 provided at the bent portion of the curved piece 14.

The washer operation knob 6 has been explained above, but the rear wiper and front wiper switch operation knobs 5,
Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5, the configuration of L-shaped pieces 17 and 18 is movable in the longitudinal direction of the automobile as the L-shaped pieces 17 and 18 move about the hinge mechanisms 19 and 20. Further, in the storage space 11 of the meter case 2, rear wiper and front wiper switch mechanisms 21 and 22 are arranged vertically stacked in three stages together with the washer switch mechanism 15 above and below the washer switch mechanism 15. The mechanism 21, 22 is constructed such that the contacts are opened and closed by the rotation of respective pins 23, 24 provided in the bent portions of the folded portions 17, 18.

Both switch mechanisms 21 and 22 are provided with latch mechanisms that maintain the contacts in the closed or open state even if the operating knobs 5 and 6 return to their neutral positions after the contacts have been opened and closed. Also, this means that the recess 4 at the right end
The same applies to the nose, rear defogger, and light switch operation knobs 8 to 10 provided in the vehicle.

The diagram showing the functions displayed on each of the switch display surfaces 5' to 10' is based on the left and right storage spaces 11 of the meter case 2.
For example, in FIG. 4, a night lighting bulb is installed on the connecting plate 12, and is illuminated by a lighting bulb 25 that also serves as a wiper, washer, and front wiper, and the switch display surfaces 5', 7', and 10 'O
Position indicators such as FF are also configured to be illuminated at night in the same manner as described above.

Figure 6 (a) to (f) show each of the above switch operation knobs 5 to 6.
An example of the electrical circuits configured when 10 is operated in a predetermined direction in the longitudinal direction of the automobile will be shown.

FIG. 6(A) shows a rear wiper circuit that drives the rear wiper motor 26, in which the motor 26 is turned on continuously by pressing the rear wiper operating knob 5 in the forward direction, and the switch mechanism is activated by pulling the rear wiper operating knob 5 in the rear direction. (Latch mechanism) 2
The motor 26 is configured to be temporarily turned on only during the pulling operation without operating the motor 26. Also, the same (C
I) Shows a washer circuit that drives the front washer motor 27 and front washer motor 28. Pushing the washer operating knob 6 forward turns on the front washer motor 28, while pulling it backward turns on the rear washer motor 28. It is configured to turn on the motor 27. Note that this switch mechanism does not have a latch mechanism. Furthermore, (c) shows a front wiper circuit that drives the front wiper motor 29 at low or high rotation speed, and presses the front wiper operation knob 7 one step forward to rotate the motor 9 at a low rotation speed, while further rotating the front wiper operation knob 7 forward. It is configured to rotate at high speed by pressing one step. Therefore, the on-operation directions of the rear wiper operation knob 5 and the washer operation knob 6 for the rear washer are the same, and by pulling both in the rear direction, the rear wiper motor 26 and the rear washer motor 27 are turned on, respectively.
N. Further, the on operation directions of the front wiper operation knob 7 and the washer operation knob 6 for the front washer are the same, and by pressing both in the forward direction, the front wiper motor 29 and the front washer motor 28 are turned on, respectively.
is configured to do so. In addition, the same) shows a /%ard circuit that simultaneously causes the turn signal lamps 32 and 32 that are blinked by the flasher unit 30 via the blinker switch 31 to flash, and the hazard operation knob 8 is pressed forward to operate the The signal lamps 32 and 32 are configured to flash simultaneously. Furthermore,
(E) shows the defogger rotation of the rear defogger 33, and is configured to supply power to the rear defogger 33 by pressing the rear defogger operating knob 9 in the forward direction. Finally, the same (f) shows a light circuit that turns on the small lamp 34 and the headlamp 35, and while pressing the light operation knob 10 one step forward turns on the small lamp 34, it also turns on the small lamp 34 one step further forward. It is configured to turn on the small lamp 34 and headlamp 35 by pressing the button.

In addition, among the above-mentioned switch mechanisms, those provided with a latch mechanism can be turned off by operating the switch operation knob in the opposite direction to the direction of the on operation.

Therefore, in the above embodiment, if you want to operate the front wiper while spouting washer water to the front window (see Fig. 5), you can hold the handle with your right hand and press the front wiper operating knob 7 with your left hand. When the washer operation knob 6 is pressed forward at the same time from the front of the meter case 2 in one motion, each of the letter pieces 18 and 14 rotates clockwise around the hinge mechanisms 20 and 13, causing the pin 24 to rotate clockwise. , 16 moves, and the pin 24 ,
The movement of 16 causes the contacts of switch mechanisms 22 and 15 to close, thereby operating the front wiper motor 29 and front washer motor 28, respectively.

In addition, if you want to operate the rear wiper while spouting washer water to the rear window, insert your left hand into the recess 4 from the left side of the meter case and insert it from the back side of the wiper operating knob 5 and the washer operating knob 6. By pulling, the contacts of the switch mechanism 21.15 are closed in the same way as described above, and the rear wiper motor 26 and the rear washer motor 27 are respectively operated. In this case, in the former case, the front wiper operating knob 7 and the washer operating knob 6 for the front washer are close to each other in the vertical direction, and their ON operating directions are the same in the pressing direction from the front. , both the operating knobs 7 and 6 can be easily turned on with one hand simultaneously while gripping the handle, and therefore the same operation can be performed without creating an interlocking relationship between the wiper switch and the washer switch. Since the properties can be ensured, the structure can be simplified and it can be manufactured at low cost. The same thing can also be said about the latter case.

Furthermore, since the operating direction of each of the switch operating knobs 5 to 10 is the front-rear direction of the vehicle, it is possible to improve the operability of each of the switch operating knobs 5 to 10 while gripping the handle. Moreover, since the recesses 4, 4 are provided at the side end corners of the front surface of the meter case 2 and are open to the front and side surfaces of the meter case 2, the recesses 4, 4 are opened from the sides of the meter case 2. Since each of the switch operation knobs 5 to 1o can be easily pulled and operated by inserting a finger, the operability of each of the switch operation knobs 5 to 10 can be further improved.

FIG. 7 shows a modification of the electric circuit shown in FIGS. 6(a) to 6(c), and is an example applied to a car not equipped with a rear wiper. Similarly to (c), by pressing the washer operating knob 6 and the front wiper operating knob 7 forward in the same direction, the front washer motor 28 and the front wiper motor 29 are turned on, respectively. By adding a function to temporarily operate the front wiper, the rear wiper operation knob 5 in the above embodiment (see FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b)) is used as a front wiper operating knob for single-action ON, and this operation is performed. Knob 5 and washer operation knob 6
By aligning the ON operating directions of and pressing both in the forward direction, the front wiper motor 29 and the front washer motor 28 are turned on, respectively, and it is possible to easily eject washer water simultaneously when the front wiper is temporarily activated. This is how it was done.

In the above explanation, the rear wiper operation knob (or front wiper operation knob for single-action ON) 5. Although the washer operating knob 6 and the front wiper operating knob 7 are provided, the arrangement of the operating knobs 5 to 7 is not limited to the above and may be arbitrary. For example, the arrangement of the rear wiper operating knob 5 and the front wiper operating knob 7 may be interchanged. Also, the above three switch operation knobs 5 to 7 may be
may be provided in the recess 4 at the right end. Furthermore, the washer operating knob 6 may not be of a dual-purpose type, but a front washer operating knob and a rear washer operating knob may be provided separately. The point is that the front wiper operating knob and the front washer operating knob should be provided close to each other and their ON operating directions should match. Furthermore, if a rear wiper is provided, the rear wiper operating knob and the rear It is sufficient to provide the washer operation knob in close proximity to each other and to make the ON operation directions coincide with each other.

Further, the recess provided in the side end portion of the meter case 2 may be provided so as to open at least to the front of the meter case 2 in relation to the operability of the switch operation knob. If the opening is provided on the side of the switch 2, a finger can be inserted from the side, and the operability of the switch operation knob can be further improved.

As explained above, according to the present invention, a wiper switch and a washer switch for controlling a wiper device and a washer device, respectively, are provided in a recess provided in a side end portion of a meter case attached to an instrument panel of an automobile. By arranging the switch operation knobs close to each other and with their on-operation directions aligned, it is possible to easily operate both the wiper and washer switch operation knobs simultaneously with one hand without having to grip the handle. Therefore, there is no need to create an interlocking relationship between the Y, P, and washer switch devices, and the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a front view of the meter case, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the meter case, FIG. 3 is a side view of the main part, and FIG. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Figure 1, Figures gJ6 (A) to (F) are electrical wiring diagrams of the switches installed at the end of the meter case, Figure 7. (A) to (C) are electrical wiring diagrams showing modifications of Fig. 6 (A) to (/→. 1... Inostrument panel, 2... Meter case, 4... Concave Location, 5... Rear wiper operation - knob, 6
...Washer operation knob, 7...Front wiper operation knob.

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) A recess that opens at least to the front of the meter case is provided in a side end portion of a meter case attached to an instrument panel of an automobile, and a wiper switch that controls a wiper device and a washer device, respectively, is provided in the recess. and a wiper and washer switch device for an automobile, characterized in that the switch operation knobs of the washer switch are provided close to each other and their on-operation directions coincide with each other.